Complaint volume
694 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Ford Explorer Complaints
694 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
694 Total complaints
12 Crash reports
7 Fire reports
12 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 12 crash reports, 7 fire reports, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 281 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 53,203 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Ford Explorer complaints?
12 Crash
7 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
29 Towed
5 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 248
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 113
ENGINE 55
POWER TRAIN 25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
SUSPENSION 14
BACK OVER PREVENTION 12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 11
STEERING 10
694 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating excessively and the vehicle hesitated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving uphill the message "Hill Start Assist Not Available" was displayed. The contact was able to drive uphill; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle was not able to pull into the driveway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there were metal shards found in the engine and that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 86,000 |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the A-pillar trim struck the vehicle that was behind the contact’s vehicle. On a separate occasion while driving approximately 60 MPH, the other side of the A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN | 2018 Ford Explorer in SEP 24 loss of driving power, complete, would not shift into any gear approximately 10k miles after a new transmission. Limped to dealer and they confirmed a replacement for the transmission, torque converter in particular. April 2025, engine warning light comes on, transmission torque converter failed again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 40,000 |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | In February 2024, I received the enclosed safety recall notice from Ford Motor Company regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer. The notice described a problem with A-pillar applique trim clip attachments that could cause the pillar trim become detached. In March 2024 while driving home from Pittsburgh PA, my left side pillar trim did blow off while I was traveling south on [XXX], and its final resting place is unknown to me. I notified my local Ford dealer (Mike Castrucci Ford, 1020 SR 28, Milford, OH) where I bought the car new about what happened. They said they were aware of the recall, but that as per the recall notice, replacement parts would not be available until the latter half of 2024. Well, it is almost end of the first quarter of 2025, and I have not received any positive responses to my follow up requests to the car dealer as to when I can expect have this issue resolved. Castrucci Ford's responses have been that the parts are on back order. My attempts to contact Ford Motor Company have also been pointless. Therefore, I am contacting the NHTSA, as per the recall letter, to see if Ford can be motivated to expedite getting my vehicle fixed. Thirteen months from the date of the initial recall notice to today should have been ample time to replace these pillars. As a member of the public, I'm wondering if Ford thinks that if they delay fixing the problem long enough, people will finally give up. FYI, I won't. Thank you for investigating my complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding a recall for my vehicle that ha remained unresolved for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to have the necessary repairs completed, I have been informed multiple times by my vehicle's manufacturer that the required parts are unavailable. This delay is a serious safety concern, as my vehicle remains subject to a recall that has not been addressed due to the lack of parts. I have contacted the dealership on several occasions over the past year to inquire about the availability of the necessary parts and have been informed each time that they are on backorder with no clear resolution in sight. This prolonged delay is causing me significant concern, as I have no way of knowing when or if the necessary repairs will be made. As this issue continues to affect my safety and the safety of others, I am seeking your guidance on the steps I can take to ensure that my vehicle is repaired promptly, in accordance with the recall notice. Additionally, J would appreciate any advice on whether there are any regulatory actions that the NHTSA can take to expedite this process and ensure that the manufacturer fulfills its obligation to address the recall in a timely manner. I look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your attention to this important safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was wind entering the cabin of the vehicle from the windshield. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I use this car for business as part of my income. Ford has issued an Advance Recall Notice. In January 2024. I have not been able earn money because of the recall notice. Manufacturer recall number: 24S02 NHTSA Recall number: 24V031 From legal advice, the Advance Recall Notice is for the dealers and is not an Official Recall Notice. Since the notice, I have been unable to rent out my vehicle. That's 15 months ago with no income. Now I have another Advance Recall Notice on my other vehicle a 2020 Expedition Max Limited. I need to make a living. What actions can be taken.? I've called numerous times first to times, no answer phone just rang after initial message. The following times, a human answered after message but i was disconnected or inadvertently put on hold. Then steered to this page. Looking for some assistance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle by the slipstream. The contact stated that the driver's side trim was loose. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,000 |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V0315000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the exterior trim at the base of the windshield had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The A-piller trim molding flew off while I was driving down the road. I am aware that this part was previously recalled and potentially “fixed” before I purchased the vehicle, however it flew off and was a terrible safety hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the trim was deteriorating and was detaching on the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referred the contact to a window specialist under warranty, previously, who stated it was only a cosmetic failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 70,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the gasket surrounding the A-pillar trim had completely deteriorated and detached from the vehicle. While driving at speeds of 60 MPH or higher, there was a whistling sound coming from the windshield from where the trim had detached. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts would be available in May 2025. The failure mileage was 27,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 27,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available for 24V031000 (Structure). Parts distribution disconnect for 21V316000 (Structure). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The A Pillar trim has become loose and detached while I was driving, almost causing an accident. There has been a recall on this part. I have tried on numerous occasions to resolve the issue. It has been over a year and the parts are still not available. I have tried to remedy and made multiple appointments at the Service Center to get my vehicle inspected and they tell me the same thing that there is nothing they can do. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspection, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer advised the contact that the parts for the recall repair were limited. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 91,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was an abnormal odor outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,504. | Crash: No Fire: No | 131,504 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle might be able to be repaired in September of 2025. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the A-pillar trim was replaced. On another occasion,n while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 73,000 |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Horn Failure. Does not work at all. This in now the third time my horn has failed and requires replacement (again). In addition, FORD still does not have replacement parts for the A-FRAME recall. It is unsafe to be driving this vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |